Australia has a good record with on-farm safe chemical use, with very low rates of workplace incidents involving the use of farm chemicals.
However, Farm Safety Week is an important reminder to put safety first when it comes to product handling.
Adequate training, planning and strict adherence to product label instructions are crucial to protecting farm workers and the environment.
“Best practice with the safe storage, transport, handling and use of pesticides is crucial. There’s never a good time or place to cut corners with safety,” CropLife Australia chief executive officer Matthew Cossey said.
“The safety of the users and handlers of pesticides are the reason why Australia has robust regulatory and compliance systems designed to protect worker safety and dictate effective on-farm practices,” he said.
“The plant science industry invests billions of dollars in R&D every year which includes developing modern and safe formulations and packaging as well as comprehensive instructions on safe use best-practices for all products.”
Farmers, agriculture workers and product applicators should follow these top tips to manage risk when handling pesticides:
- Follow the label: The labels on pesticide products contain crucial information regarding proper handling, application, protective equipment requirements and disposal. It is vital to thoroughly read and understand these instructions before using any pesticide.
- Use personal protective equipment: The appropriate use of PPE — such as impervious aprons, gloves, goggles and chemical-proof protective footwear and respirators — should always be worn in line with the product instructions.
- Store and dispose of pesticides properly: Safely store pesticides in secure, designated areas away from children, animals and food products. Follow local guidelines for pesticide disposal to prevent contamination of water sources and soil. Use collection, recycling and disposal initiatives such as drumMUSTER and ChemClear.
- Best practice professional services: Ensure that anyone involved in pesticide transport, storage, handling and application receive proper training and information.
For more information, go to: https://www.croplife.org.au/
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